Rajasthan MLA Bribery Case: ₹20 Lakh Bribe Found Buried Underground by ACB

Jaipur, May 5, 2025 — In a dramatic corruption probe, the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) recovered ₹20 lakh in bribe money that had been buried underground by a relative of Bagidora MLA Jaykrishna Patel, a member of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP). The bribe was allegedly linked to a demand of ₹10 crore made to withdraw mining-related questions from the state assembly.

Bribe Trail Uncovered: From MLA to Underground Cache

According to ACB Director General Dr. Ravi Prakash Meharda, investigations revealed that the MLA handed over the bribe amount to his nephew Rohit, who then passed it to a relative Jaswant. Jaswant, in turn, gave the money to an acquaintance named Jagaram, instructing him to hide it. Acting on mobile surveillance and intelligence, ACB officials traced Jaswant, who confessed during interrogation that the money was in Jagaram’s possession.

Subsequently, ACB teams reached Jagaram’s residence in Indira Gandhi Nagar, where they recovered the ₹20 lakh buried in the ground. The money, officials confirmed, was taken under the pretext of a property deal that never materialized.

High-Profile Arrest and Political Fallout

The operation followed Sunday’s arrest of MLA Jaykrishna Patel and alleged middleman Vijay Kumar Patel, who were caught red-handed accepting the bribe. Patel had reportedly demanded ₹10 crore to withdraw a legislative question concerning the mining department, later settling for ₹2.5 crore.

As per reports, when ACB officials reached the MLA’s government residence, one individual fled the scene carrying the cash. Investigators have since seized CCTV footage and sealed the server room for forensic examination by the FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory).

Political Ramifications and Ongoing Investigation

The case has raised serious concerns over misuse of legislative privileges and the extent of political corruption in the state. ACB’s continued probe is expected to expose more layers in the bribery nexus, possibly implicating additional individuals.

The Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), which currently holds a limited yet symbolic presence in the Rajasthan Assembly, has not issued an official statement on the incident.

What Happens Next?

• ACB is preparing a detailed forensic report on the digital evidence collected from the MLA’s premises.

• Interrogations of the arrested individuals are ongoing.

• Further arrests could follow based on the money trail and electronic communications.

The recovered amount has been registered as evidence under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the accused will be presented in court for further judicial proceedings.